I want to get a mini-/sub- notebook without paying for Windows (or the hassle of trying to get it refunded).

I've been looking about and I found the "The Pre-Installed Linux Vendor Database", which can be sorted by country to list UK stores, but I've gone through all the UK companies listed and they either don't do notebooks, or they've got an incredibly shit website.

So, can anyone recommend any *good* companies that will sell decent Linux notebooks in the UK?


Thanks.

Hi bough

Im in the USA, but I have seen adds for this company in Linux Format Magazine.

www.linuxemporium.co.uk/

they have a good selection of laptops with linux.

Vanessa

Thanks Vanessa.

That ones looks ok, but they don't give much info on what they are selling - just a single page with all the products on.

Options wise, there's only two:
- 12.1" Thinkpad X200.2 for £1250
- 10.1" Ideapad S10e for £287.50

Annoyingly I want something in the middle of those (both price/feature wise) - would like better cpu/memory/etc than the Ideapad, but the Thinkpad is over twice what I'd like to pay. (And probably too big too - no details on physical dimensions).

Have you considered going via ebay - pick up a cheap laptop and then install Linux to it. Crucial.com is a good place to get more memory if needed.

Nah, when it comes to complex electronics I don't want the risk of getting something second-hand.
(Well, unless it was from someone I knew and trusted.)


Crucial is good for checking required memory type, but there tends to be significantly cheaper prices in other places.

My suggestion: Choose a piece of (new) hardware with:
- NVIDIA graphics chipset
- INTEL wireless chipset
.. and then just install linux. "Distro-hop" if you initially have trouble, or come back here with specific Qs.

Having said that I am very happy with my EEE701 (old now, but great for travelling) and I am running kubuntu 8.04 on it. It goes against my search criteria - Intel graphics (it's OK), Atheros wireless (a PITA a couple of years ago, but OK now).

Much support / information for linux on the Asus EEE series over at http://forum.eeeuser.com/ and http://wiki.eeeuser.com/

Not actually that bothered by wireless - I'm looking for a mini-notebook rather than a netbook, so don't mind if wireless isn't brilliant.

The problem with the EeePC range is that Asus don't seem to understand how important a proper right-hand shift key is.

Which is a pity, because a 1101HA or 1005HA with their (claimed) 10+ hour battery life looked interesting, but the lack of a proper right shift is a fatal flaw.

Hmmm... although I just stumbled upon a review which clearly shows a decent shift key (albeit on a US-format keyboard).

Can anyone confirm what the UK ones are like?